Hairstyling, Braiding, and Wigs/Hair Additions
What the exam tests
Styled hair is about base, stem, and curl direction. Braiding and hair additions add tension control and attachment safety.
Core rules
- Wet styling uses mousse or gel and rollers; dry styling uses thermal tools and finishing products.
- Roller size controls curl: small rollers create tight curls, large rollers create volume and loose wave. Base placement determines lift.
- Thermal irons should be used on dry hair; test temperature on a paper towel or sparingly.
- Braids should be snug but not pulling the hairline; constant tension can cause traction alopecia.
- Wigs and extensions must be cleansed, disinfected when possible, and secured without damaging natural hair.
Worked example
A client wants maximum volume at the crown with a smooth perimeter. The reasoned set uses large rollers on a high base at the crown for lift and flat pin curls or small rollers at the perimeter for control. Placing large rollers flat at the crown would give little volume. Reasoning: base height and roller diameter both shape the result.
Traps
Using a hot iron on wet hair; braiding too tightly; assuming all wigs can be disinfected the same way; and backcombing fine hair without a plan for removal.